Surgical Site Infection Flashcards
How do we prevent surgical site infections?
Pre-Operative Phase
Give prophylactic antibiotics if indicated (clean surgery involving a prosthesis, clean-contaminated surgery, or contaminated surgery)
Do not remove hair routinely – if necessary do this immediately prior to surgery with an electric clipper
Patient advice – encourage weight loss and smoking cessation, optimise nutrition (to promote wound healing) and ensure good diabetic control if applicable
Intraoperative Phase
Prepare the skin at the surgical site immediately before the incision using an antiseptic preparation
Chlorhexidine has been shown to be more effective than Betadine for skin preparation
Change gloves or gowns if contaminated
Wound irrigation at closure and use of antibiotic-impregnated sutures to close
Post-Operative Phase
Monitor wounds closely, especially those in difficult areas, such as skin creases and underneath skin folds (such as groin), are closely observed
Refer to a tissue viability nurse for advice on appropriate dressings for the management of surgical wounds that are healing by secondary intention
What are the different types of surgical site infections?
Superficial SSI = limited to skin and subcutaneous tissue
Deep SSI = affecting the fascial and muscular layers
Cavity space infection = within an abdominal or joint cavity
